42CHAPTER 5: UPGRADING A BRIDGE/ROUTER USING THE COMMAND-LINE UTILITIES

CAUTION: If you are running any other firmware version besides 2.0 or 2.1, you should upgrade the firmware after upgrading the software.

To upgrade the CEC firmware, follow these steps:

aMake sure there is a floppy diskette with write access in the floppy drive on the bridge/router. The diskette is formatted during the upgrade, so make sure that the contents of the diskette you intend to use can be overwritten. Perform a manually recoverable firmware upgrade using the option -m if you do not want the floppy diskette formatted.

bUpgrade your firmware to version 2.6 using:

bcmsysupgrade -s:upgrade_cec_fw -V:<version you are upgrading to>

<device>

After the firmware has been upgraded, the bridge/router reboots.

3Update your configuration files using:

bcmsysupgrade -s:update <device>

4Copy the upgraded software to the bridge/router using:

bcmsysupgrade -s:to_nb <device>

5Test your new software using:

bcmsysupgrade -s:test_boot <device>

The bridge/router is rebooted, and the utilities confirm IP connectivity and that the expected version of software is running.

6Verify that your upgrade completed successfully.

To verify that the software is working properly, you can perform a set of operational integrity checks on the newly upgraded device. These may include:

Some standard checks based on services active.

A basic service verification test can Ping to specific IP addresses.

Connectivity checks based on network topology. Examples of a connectivity verification include:

Checking the connectivity between devices on different networks, through designated bridge/routers.

Testing typical device connections on terminals, printers, or hosts.

Testing the connectivity with specific bridge/routers.

Custom checks based on applications and typical network use.

For instance, you can check normal operation over the network and perform file transfers, as well as run traces on specific routes or check routing tables.

7Accept or reject the upgrade.

If your upgrade completed successfully, accept your upgrade using:

bcmsysupgrade -s:accept <device>

If the upgrade process failed to meet your verification criteria, reject your upgrade using:

bcmsysupgrade -s:reject <device>

The bridge/router is rebooted using the previous version of software.

Page 42
Image 42
3Com ENTERPRISE OS 11.3 manual Copy the upgraded software to the bridge/router using, Test your new software using

ENTERPRISE OS 11.3 specifications

3Com Enterprise OS 11.3 is a robust network operating system designed specifically for enterprise-level applications, offering a comprehensive suite of features and technologies that enhance network performance, reliability, and security. Engineered for the needs of large organizations, this operating system integrates advanced functionalities that ensure efficient management of network resources.

One of the key features of 3Com Enterprise OS 11.3 is its enhanced routing capabilities. It supports dynamic routing protocols like OSPF and RIP, ensuring optimal path selection and efficient use of network bandwidth. This enables seamless communication across multiple network segments, reducing latency and improving overall system responsiveness.

Another significant characteristic of this OS is its powerful network management tools. The built-in management functionalities provide administrators with an intuitive interface to monitor, configure, and troubleshoot network devices in real time. With features like SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) support, network visibility is improved, allowing for efficient performance monitoring and rapid response to potential issues.

Security is a critical focus for 3Com Enterprise OS 11.3, which includes comprehensive measures such as access control lists (ACLs), robust authentication methods, and support for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). These security features safeguard sensitive data and ensure that only authorized users can access network resources, mitigating the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

The operating system is also designed for scalability, accommodating the growing needs of enterprise environments. Its modular architecture allows for the integration of additional features and services without sacrificing performance. This flexibility makes it suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises, adapting to various networking requirements as they evolve.

Furthermore, 3Com Enterprise OS 11.3 facilitates quality of service (QoS) management, which prioritizes critical network traffic. By ensuring that time-sensitive applications receive the bandwidth they need, the OS enhances the performance of voice, video, and data services, which is crucial for maintaining high productivity levels.

In summary, 3Com Enterprise OS 11.3 stands out with its advanced routing capabilities, robust network management tools, enhanced security features, scalability, and QoS management. These characteristics make it an ideal solution for enterprises seeking a reliable and efficient network operating system to support their complex networking needs.